Rod line hook-off and anchor



Feb. 23, 137. w. WJFOSTER 2,371,787

ROD LINE HOOK-OFF AND ANCHOR 7 Filed May 5, 1954 lNVENTOR ATTO R N EY Patented Feb. 23, 1937' UNETED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,071,787 ROD LINE HOOK-OFF AND ANCHOR Walter W. Foster, Wichita Falls, Tex. Application May 5, 1934, Serial No. 724,197

6 Claims.

This invention relates to well pumping machincry and equipment and it has particular reference to certain improvements in rod line supports and hook-off for power units adapted to ac- 5- tuate the rod lines.

The principal object of the invention is to provide for the support of a rod line adjacent to its point of connection with the power unit, yet al- M lowing for free longitudinal and oscillatory move- 10 ments of the rod line, which is necessary in view of the peculiar operation of the conventional types of power units.

Another and important object of the invention M is to provide an improved type of rod hook-off 15'" which provides for the separation and connection of the rod line with respect to the power unit at a point in close proximity to the power unit. Heretofore, connection and disconnection between the well and the power unit was made at 20 a point distant from each inasmuch as lateral or oscillating movement of the rod line adjacent the power unit prohibited any connection at this point or at least, made any such connection impractical. The fact that the present invention 5 also provides for the support of the rod line adjacent the power unit, provides an ideal arrangement for not only allowing for disconnection at this point but likewise locks the rod line against displacement whereby re-connection may be 3 readily made without difficulty.

With the foregoing objects as paramount, the invention has particular reference to its salient features of construction and arrangement of parts which will become manifest as the descrip- 35 tion proceeds, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, wherein:--

Figure 1 is a perspective view with portions broken away showing the locked condition of the rod line which is desirable when the latter is dis- 40 connected from the power unit.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary view of the locking device in longitudinal section.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary view of the engaging ends of the elements constituting the locking de- 45 vice, and

Figures 4 and 5 jointly show the engaging ends of the elements of the locking device separated but showing the manner in which they conform to accomplish the results for which they are de- 50 signed.

Continuing with a more detailed description of the drawing, it may be first mentioned for the sake of clarity that the invention has been designed for use in connection with a power unit for 55' supplying the power necessary to pump a num- (Cl. Wk-593) ber of oil wells. The power unit is usually comprised of one or more eccentrics, around the periphery of which is connected a series of rods. These rods are in turn connected to rod lines, each extending to and operating a pump jack situated at the well. Adjacent the point of connection of the rod line to the power unit, the rod line is subjected not only to a reciprocating motion but likewise a lateral or oscillating motion. It is at this point that the invention is adapted to be installed and very successfully eliminates the practice of connecting and disconnecting the rod line at a point distant from the power unit when it is desired to render the pump inoperative.

Accordingly, a pair of standards I of steel or concrete and fragmentarily shown in Figure 1 are constructed and disposed one on either side of the rod line. Superimposed upon these standards are members 2 and securely held thereon by bolts 3. The members 2 are comprised preferably of wood and are spaced apart to define a horizontal opening 4. The spacing is obtained by space blocks 5 adjacent either end of the members 2.

A pair of substantially flat elements 6 and I are provided and are composed preferably of metal. The reason for the particular shape of these elements is to allow them to slide freely in the space 4 provided therefor and an examination of Figures 1 and 2 will disclose that a section of rod 8 is passed axially through both of these elements so that the ends thereof will be capable of engagement. The elements 6 is fixed to the rod 8 by screws or pins 9 while the element 1 is capable of limited rotation thereon but is constrained in such rotation in a manner to be presently explained.

The contiguous ends of the elements 6 and 1 are preferably flared or larger in cross section than the bodies thereof insofar as width is concerned but the thickness remains the same in order that they will freely slide in the opening 4 as previously stated. The element 6 has on its flared end lugs 10 which are shaped to correspond with recesses II in the end of the companion element 1. In Figures 4 and 5 is given an example of the relationship of the elements 6 and I when in the same plane and intended to move freely in the space 4 between the mem.- bers 2 of the support. In Figure 3, it will be observed that the elements 6 and I are at right angles, in which position the lugs l0 protruding from the end of element 6 furnishes a stop to limit any further rotation of the element 1 but when moved to the same plane, the recesses ll receive the lugs It! and which prevent further movement in an opposite direction.

A torsion spring 52, shown in Figure 2 intersects the joint between the elements 6 and 2, having one end secured in the element 5 and its opposite end in the element F. This torsion spring normally urges the element l to the same plane with the element 6 or to operative position and in which position the elements are capable of free sliding movement in the opening. A handle it is provided on the element '5 for moving the same to a right angular position with respect to the element 5 or to the position shown in Figures 1 and 3.

A rod pull clamp is is shown in Figure 1 as being connected to one end of the rod 8 which passes through the elements 5 and l. The opposite end of the rod 8 has an oiiset or enlarged end is to which is connected the end of the rod line which is sometimes several hundred feet in length whereby to reach to a well at a point distant from the power unit. The rod which connects the power unit to the invention is joined to the clamp i In operation, connection is made as described in the foregoing between the rod line and the rod 8 of the invention and between the power unit, not shown, and the clamp i l. With the elements 6 and l in the same plane or in the relationship shown in Figure 2, these elements slide freely in the space i between. the members 2, they being urged to this relationship by the torsion spring l2 and constrained against dis placement by the lugs ii! and conforming recesses ii. Should it be desired to disconnect the power unit from the rod line, it is simply necessary to rotate the element "2" to a position at right angles to the companion element 6 or the position shown in Figures 1 and 3 and disconnect the power unit from the clamp l l. E'he flared end of the element 'i will then rest against the members 2 and prevent release of the rod line and hold the same in position for re-connection with the power unit. It will be observed that the rod 8 is provided with nuts 56 which prevent longitudinal displacement of the element 1 thereon. It may be added that in view of the great weight which the rod line is intended to suspend, not only has the rod line itself but also the rod assembly in the well a secure looking means such as provided by the invention is vitally necessary.

Manifestly, the construction shown is capable of considerable modification and such modification as is considered Within the scope and mean ing of the appended claims is also considered within the spirit and intent of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A rod line hook-off device adapted to disconnect a rod-line from its reciprocating apparatus comprising an elongated and substantially flat element, having a length of rod passing longitudinally therethrough to which said element is fixed, a companion and similarly shaped element rotatably mounted on said rod arranged to follow the lateral and longitudinal movements thereof and carrying means to engage said red line, horizontally disposed and relatively parallel members between which said elements slide and means rotating said companion element to a position to be capable of holding said rod line against longitudinal movement.

2. A rod line hook-off device arranged to disconnect a rod-line from its reciprocating appa ratus comprising an elongated and substantially flat element, a rod supporting said element, means on said rod to effect connection between said rod line and said line reciprocating apparatus, a second and relatively rotatable element also carried by said rod capable of following the lateral and longitudinal movements of said rod line, horizontal and relatively parallel means defining a slot through which said elements operatively move whereby to be capable of holding said rod line against longitudinal movement when said disconnection is made and to confine the movements of said rod line.

3. A rod line hook-01f disconnecting a rod line from its reciprocating apparatus including a rod forming a connection between said rod line and a rod line actuating apparatus, a support comprising a pair of horizontally and relatively parallel elements, a substantially flat member afiixed to said rod, a companion member also carried by said rod adjacent said first member and capable of limited rotation on said rod, said members being arranged to slide between the elements of said support and capable of holding said rod line against longitudinal movement during the disconnected condition of said rod line.

4. A surface rod line support and hook-off for wells including a rod forming connection between sections of said rod line, a pair of elements mounted on said rod, one of which is in fixed relation to said rod and the other being rotatable rela tive thereto whereby to lie on the same horizontal plane with said first element, a support for said rod line comprising uprights on either side of said rod line, interconnected by horizontally disposed and relatively parallel members defining a slot through which said elements pass, means for changing the position of said rotatable element with respect to its companion element and said slot to lock said rod line against displacement when disconnection is made between the rod line and one of the said pair of elements.

5. A surface rod line hook-oil device for disconnecting a rod line from its actuating apparatus including a rod having a connection between sections of said rod line, a base and a superstructure defining an elongated horizontal opening, a pair of substantially fiat and co-axially alined elements, one of which is fixed to said rod, the other being capable of limited rotation thereon, said elements being adapted to move in said elongated opening, spring means normally urging one of said elements into the same plane, and means whereby one of said elements may be moved to a position at right angles to its co. panion element to prevent displacement of said elements from said elongated opening and to effect disconnection thereof from said rod line reciprocating apparatus.

6. A surface rod line hook-off device for dis connecting a rod line from its reciprocating apparatus including a pair of co-axially alined and horizontally disposed members, a rod ex tending through the longitudinal axes of said members, and forming a connection between said rod line and said line reciprocating apparatus, one of said members being capable of movement relative to its companion member on said rod whereby to effect disconnection between said rod line and said rod line reciprocating apparatus and to prevent displacement of said rod line when said disconnection is effected, and means for supporting said rod line through which said members reciprocate.

WALTER W. FOSTER. 

